The Vikings Might Have an OLB Problem
Kirby Lee For years, the Minnesota Vikings have experienced some dominant performances from their edge rushers. Recently, it has been the combination of Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. This season, that group was split up when Greenard was seen as too expensive and sent to the Philadelphia Eagles .
That was an understandable move, both from a salary cap perspective and from a current roster construction perspective. Dallas Turner was a first-round pick just two years ago, and a starter to show breakout ability as he filled in for an injured Greenard last season. Brian Flores May Need Another Reliable Pass Rusher Now tasked with being the man opposite Van Ginkel, Turner won’t have anywhere to hide.
Flores loves to blitz, and he’ll be reliant on both Van Ginkel and Turner. The former has proven his ability in this defense, while the latter will need to substantiate it. Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Brigham Young defensive lineman Tyler Batty (DL42) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images. If things go sideways early for Turner, the Minnesota Vikings could be in for a world of hurt. Van Ginkel missed time with a neck injury last season, and the cupboards are bare behind the youngster Turner.
Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, and Chaz Chambliss are the only players with any level of familiarity behind the two Vikings starting edge rushers, and they leave plenty to be desired. Turner had eight sacks in 17 games last season (10 starts) . It stands to reason that he could be in line for greater production if he’s given more runway.